Splinting in carpal tunnel syndrome—should we use it during the daytime?

Abstract

Abstract Background Splinting is frequently used in the treatment of CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome) and is mostly preferred at night. On the other hand, there are some studies suggesting the use of splint throughout the day. However, there is still no consensus. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to evaluate the effects of day and night splinting in terms of pain, symptom severity, functional status, and quality of life in patients with CTS. Results Seventy wrists of 46 patients with CTS were evaluated. In the day-night splint group, according to without splint group and night-only splint group, a statistically significant improvement was found in terms of pain level assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (p = 0.001, p = 0.015, respectively), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire-Functional Severity Scale (p = 0.004, p = 0.020, respectively), The Nottingham Health Profile-pain (p = 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively), The Nottingham Health Profile-social isolation (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively), and The Nottingham Health Profile-total score (p = 0.001, p = 0.012, respectively). In addition, it was found that even the use of splint only at night resulted in a significant reduction in pain compared to the control group (p = 0.018). Conclusions Continuation of splinting as much as possible during the daytime in addition to night splinting is beneficial in terms of pain, nocturnal symptoms, functionality, and quality of life.